GT-R lovers reality check.

[themadscientist]

As much as you GT-R fanbois would like to beleive otherwise the new R will NEVER, NEVER, command the respect and admiration of a true exotic. It isn't about masturbating on the ring, It's not about stoplight races and it most definately is not about gizmos and tire pressure monitors. This is an exotic.

http://videos.streetfire.net/v...9.htm

The R is, I guess the word would be "notable". I detest it not because of what it is but rather what it used to be but there is no doubt it has a place somewhere in the automotive pantheon. Then again so does the Yugo, you decide where you think it fits. The GT-R used to be a car than demanded a symbiotic relationship from the driver, it isn't anymore.

It is definately not though, nor will it ever be unless Nissan takes a completely different tack for the R36, an exotic. It may go around a track faster than some exotics, it may beat them down the quarter mile, it may deliver comparable stats at a lower cost but that is not an exotic's reason for being. The point of an exotic is exclusivity, tradition and the love poured into it by the craftsmen that build them.

The GT-R is a car built to satisfy geeks, most who would be incapable of driving it were the various assist features were switched off. There are of course people who will buy it who could but the car was not really built for them. Satisfy the geeks it does as well as a handful of driving enthusiasts.

I see a lot of videos of the new gizmo R trying to wrest respect from the likes of Lamborghinis, Ferarris, Bugattis etc. This is a glaring example of how most R fanbois don't truly get it. The R is not in the same cultural class as those cars and never will be. That in and of itself is not bad, the R is a capable vehicle. When it tries to jump the fence into the country club based solely on the fact that it can drive a golfball farther than some and putt better than others it looks foolish.

I like a quote from the designer of the Murcialago, I paraphase "when you are driving this car you are keely aware that the weak link is not the car, it is you". You will never feel that way behind the wheel of a nanny R. It won't let you and that is why it is not a pure driving machine that a true exotic is. Could you put it through a guardrail if you act the fool, sure; somebody crashed one almost immediately. You won't feel the adrenaline rush though that a car barely contained and demanding maximum precision from you would deliver.

I think it behooves Nissan not to try to campare itself to exotics at all but rather seek a market position unqique to this vehicle. I see a batch of similar "on the cusp" vehicles coming soon from their fellow Japanese manufacturers and Nissan should define a new segment of the market rather than try to crash a party they are not invited to and would never be accepted at.

end sermon, don fireproof suit

[darens13]

i saw one today and i must admit i thoroughly enjoyed seeing it. however, it lacks a clutch and that is boring. i could really care less about computer and satnav, stability control and all the other computer crap. i want a car with a soul, a car that becomes an extension of my physical, mental and emotional being. the gtr simply lacks soul in my opinion, as well as a clutch.

[blindsnyper]

i saw one today and i must admit i thoroughly enjoyed seeing it.

i wasnt very excited about them until i show this one at the dealer...

but now im back to not caring about them (the guy in the back of the 1st pic is a f*** dbag)

[krimsonviper]

but the thing is TMS, if you take away everything it has to compete with the supercars, it couldnt compete. dont get me wrong, its still a formidable machine if it didnt have the techno gadgets, but the original gtr's arent considered super cars. just famous like the ford mustang

yeah. i said it
Modified by krimsonviper at 2:53 AM 8/15/2008

[Soravia]

So, Dodge Viper ACR is not a super car? Saleen S7 isn't a super car?

Super Car != Exotic Car.Super Car = Super HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR.Exotic Car = CAR MADE WITH HIGH LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP.

The GT-R has high level of craftsmanship at least in the engine and frame rigidity. Have you seen the Nissan GT-R site where they do the build at the factory? It might get the same paint as the Infiniti, but it doesn't come from the same chassis assembly line.

You need to check your vocabulary.

[krimsonviper]

Modified by krimsonviper at 1:53 AM 8/16/2008

[MinisterofDOOM]

Eh, I think you're kind of looking at it the wrong way, TMS.

No one really expects the GTR to attain the same status of the big Lambo.

What they expect it to do is offer the closest possible alternative for a lot less cash.

I like the GTR. But...it hasn't replaced the 599 and 575 in my dreams.

For the money, though, I'd have a hard time taking the GTR over a Viper.

[DevilMB3017]

A lot of non-Nissan car people are saying that the GT-R is trying to be an exotic, which is what TMS is saying. They don't undertstand, especially in America, the rich history of the Skyline GT-R, which this car isn't even related to anymore.

I understand what he is saying completely. The thing with the GT-R in the past is customization. Yeah, you could buy a stock R32/33/34 GT-R and it was fast, but then you could pretty easily build it to 1000 awhp - then you have an exotic destoryer or highway queen...

The R35 will never have the level of customization the Skyline (G35) will. And that is where history has mattered.

Also - the R35 is a street car first, track car second. The Viper is the other way around, and Lambos, they have no real racing history, so I don't call them a race car...:p

[themadscientist]

I don't get the impression that Nissan is trying to position itself as an exotic. I think the masses are making that leap by themselves. Regardless of my personal feelings about whether it is my taste I do think it qualifies as a supercar. I also think it represents the leading edge of a new generation of smart supercars. I don't like that new style but it does deserve its due. I think Nissan has struck the first blow in a new gadgetcar race that while I dislike I do like that at least Nissan has at least set the tone. Toyota appears poised to strike back very soon.I will remain attracted to the classic supercars and exotics and hope that Nissan decides to leave at least one platform unmolested with depersonalizing technology but I realize the chances of that are infinitesimal.

[Soravia]

Try driving one and then talk how impersonal GT-R is. Most people probably say that because the ride is so stable and quiet. Or they never pushed it to its limit.

[DrifterXRPS13]

I like the GT-R...i'ts a sports car like the corvette, it's not an exotic, it's not a supercar...i think the cheapest (in price) is an nsx...and then pretty much anything over that price range is considered an exotic to me anyway...

That LP is an exotic, but no supercar by any means...it's an exotic because of where it comes from, how much it cost and the name that's on it...

I respect your opinion but i personally haven't heard anybody call it an exotic, i have however heard a few people cal it a supercar because of it's performance especially because of it's price, but to me it's just like a zo6 or now even the zr1...but i think the zr1 is closer to being an exotic/supercar than the GT-R is but i still wouldn't call it that.

I like the car, plain and simple and i'm sure others feel the way i do and i'm sure others feel the way you do as well and that's ok.

[themadscientist]

Try driving an RS.

[Soravia]

GT-R should run close to ZR1 with same tires instead of run flats.GT-R Spec V should run better than ZR1 with same tires. Probably a slight better than Porshe 911 GT-2. Close to Viper ACR with same tires.

Remember that GT-R tire and comfort level configurations prevent it from competing fully to the power it can make. Just like how Auto-X tire pressure makes difference. We have yet to see the acutal time of Spec V, let alone a possible Z-tune.

[MastaYu]

zr1 is the upped version of the corvette. Nissan still has to bring out its upped version the GTR Spec V

[Soravia]

Some says Spec V will make to 580HP. Not sure if it will be WHP like the current one. I don't see how it can't make that at crank, considering VQ30DE-TT made 500HP easily for GT-500.http://www.egmcartech.com/2008...ility/

[srphoenix]

While I agree with you that the GTR doesnt have that European made by Italians super car backing, I do disagree that it isnt an exotic. While it may not have the italian bloodline, which matters to... italians and car snobs.... The GTR does have a worldwide following, with exclusivity and a history and looks that make a scene no matter where it is.

Any review or test drive you'll read of it has the driver describing almost pandemonium around them, and they almost certainly make some kinda statement like, "i wouldnt get half the reaction in any other car, I feel like a rockstar right now blah blah..."

An exotic is powerful, the GTR meets this and then some, even with the gadgets. You may call the gadgets a negative and that it negates the GTR from being a true exotic, but have you ever seen a review of the ferrari f430??? It has 8 different settings of gadgets! Additionally, the ferrari isnt supposed to be a gadget car, while the GTR is designed with the focus of technology creating speed.

[snwbrdr435]

Evolution model FTL way to pick and unoriginal name to change from Vspec.

[Marenta]

Fact is, it's not a Skyline. It's not an R35.

It's just a GT-R, the car has no other name other than GT-R.. which, I thought was a body style of the R32/33/34 Skylines.

I don't think they tried to put out an exotic. I think they tried to put out a car like the Mustang or the Corvette that would be affordable (kinda) and have a decent shot at being capable of beating other American legend cars.

Problem is, you can't customize it, or if you do, you'll have to rip out all the electronics and start from scratch. The engine is a great concept, and I suppose it works, but for what we WANT to see, it just doesn't deliver.

If Toyota brings back the Supra and they do the same shize that Nissan did to the GT-R.. I'm going to just go ahead and never buy another foreign car ever again. At that point, they're making just as bad decisions as the Big 3 are, and I'm sure that's not where we want to see this going.

[Loki]

Why do you care? It's a car. Only a car. You act as though it slipped you a rufie and violated you sometime in the past.

Car manufacturers are stupid fvcks who don't do what you want them to. Welcome to the 2000's. Here's your iPod, now STFU and get back in line. Don't forget to vote Republican on your way out.

[themadscientist]

Why do you care? It's a car. Only a car. You act as though it slipped you a rufie and violated you sometime in the past.

Car manufacturers are stupid fvcks who don't do what you want them to. Welcome to the 2000's. Here's your iPod, now STFU and get back in line. Don't forget to vote Republican on your way out.

WTF was that all about?

While I agree with you that the GTR doesnt have that European made by Italians super car backing, I do disagree that it isnt an exotic. While it may not have the italian bloodline, which matters to... italians and car snobs.... The GTR does have a worldwide following, with exclusivity and a history and looks that make a scene no matter where it is.

Any review or test drive you'll read of it has the driver describing almost pandemonium around them, and they almost certainly make some kinda statement like, "i wouldnt get half the reaction in any other car, I feel like a rockstar right now blah blah..."

An exotic is powerful, the GTR meets this and then some, even with the gadgets. You may call the gadgets a negative and that it negates the GTR from being a true exotic, but have you ever seen a review of the ferrari f430??? It has 8 different settings of gadgets! Additionally, the ferrari isnt supposed to be a gadget car, while the GTR is designed with the focus of technology creating speed.

I think the LF-A will be the competitor. Not sure if we will see another Supra. The R is not an exotic, never will be. Despite all the fancy technology it's just another mass-produced Nissan. From the land that brought you the digital toilet seat.

[Soravia]

Fact is, it's not a Skyline. It's not an R35.

Problem is, you can't customize it, or if you do, you'll have to rip out all the electronics and start from scratch. The engine is a great concept, and I suppose it works, but for what we WANT to see, it just doesn't deliver.

Now it is called R35 and looks similar to R34 as much as R32 looked to R31.

Everyone knows there are mods out there for the GT-R. As for the electronics, no one can make it better than Nissan. That's how it beats the Z06 that is 700lb lighter and Porsche 911 Turbo made by one of the best companies in the world. GT-R has less power to weight ratio than many cars it can beat because of the electronics.

Frankly, all it does is stiffen the shocks when needed to give a race handling without breaking back bone. It doesn't even have electronic diff up front. Imagine it with electronic diff up front.

[themadscientist]

It's all about the tool kit. White gloves, yeah, ok. Is that their way of saying "dealer serviced only"?

[ScrapMetal]

Thanks for wasting 3 minutes and 49 seconds of my life. That video was horrible and all it shows is that people with no personalities live vicariously through their cars. Notice how all that was shown in that video was getting stupid chicks phone numbers, getting into clubs, and a couple of burn outs. I seriously doubt Lamborghini had any affiliation with that video. You're telling me Nissan hasn't poured tons of money, R&D and love into this car. Even if they hadn't, it still owns every supercar out there. Imagine the day they do pour some love into their GTR, I think it'll be owning the Space shuttle. I'm not a GTR fanboy, it looks like crap. Styled after Gundams? Gundams look like crappy Transformers, but credit has to be given to this machine even if you don't like it. It'll smoke almost anything out there at a 1/4 of the cost of anything out there. When you buy an expensive exotic car, you're paying for the name. It's like buying a Gibson guitar, just buy an Ibanez and you'll be happier.

[themadscientist]

You would be happier. I like my wine with a cork, not a screw on lid and an expiration date. Boones will get you drunk but you won't have enjoyment of a finely aged cultured drink.

I have given the GT-R credit but you did not really read too closely or you would have seen whare I addressed your points within the context of the thread. GT-R is not an exotic

I can pretty much guarantee Lamborghini did not make that ad. It does appeal to what most comments from GT-R leg humpers reveal, the floss factor. The gizmo will appeal to that crowd.

[gammer_ghn]

Less GTR's are going to be available in USA than Lambos... and when spec V comes out even less are going to be produced. The GTR is a super car/ exotic but at a different level. The GTR will be competing against Lexus ISF, Honda NSX and some other cars on its level. Italian cars are just over hollywoodized < yes i just made that up haha. But i worked valet couple years back and got to drive a couple of different Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, Porsche's, Vipers and so on but looking at them from a poor mans view they didn't feel rich or worth the money same way Gucci, LV, Vercace and other brands are made. I can say my Q has less hollow space inside so when i knock the whole dash doesn't sound empty. Exotics are just Symbols of oh i can buy this or i got sick of driving my Vettte now i need something faster. I love cars but some price tags get me mad.

[themadscientist]

hollywoodized

[DevilMB3017]

It's like buying a Gibson guitar, just buy an Ibanez and you'll be happier.

Wrong. I paid more for a Gibson Les Paul then I orginally paid for my 240.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. You don't by for the name - you buy for the quality.

And the quality of a Porsche GT2/GT3 is going to destory on a GT-R when you beat on it regulary. I'm questionable about how well the GT-R will hold up to 10,000+ miles of racing. It is a street car first, racer second.

The fact is very few GT-R will see a lot of racing or even club racing. They're going to be highway queens and look at me cars. Sorry.

[themadscientist]

I bet the v-spec will add a "hard park" button.

[hsckris]

That LP is an exotic, but no supercar by any means...it's an exotic because of where it comes from, how much it cost and the name that's on it...

WRONG!

It just won a comparision entitled the ultimate track test: http://www.roadandtrack.com/ar...=6939

It beat out the Viper, Aston Martin, Lotus, GT2, Z06, GTR, etc....

[DrifterXRPS13]

well none of those cars, except maybe the gt2 is a supercar in my book, the rest of those cars are sports cars so i'm not wrong.